Construction has begun on the $85 million renovation of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS), following receipt of construction bids that are more than 10 percent under the budget, according to Boston-based architectural firm HMFH Architects.

The renovation will revitalize 400,000 square feet of the high school’s academic space, originally constructed in 1933, and expanded in 1978. 

CRLS is the only public high school in the city of Cambridge, with a capacity of 1,800 students and a continuous history dating back to the founding of Harvard College.

When completed, CRLS is expected to be LEED-silver certified. 

"This green renovation signals our continuing commitment to excellence in public education," said Richard Rossi, deputy city manager for the city of Cambridge. "We are also committed to the most sustainable way of looking at our building resources. HMFH Architects’ environmental leadership and expertise in educational environments was a natural fit with our school’s organization into four distinct learning communities. Our revitalized facilities will support the learning community concept and help promote the highest levels of learning and achievement for all students."

The renovation will take place in a two-year phased process.